Bridgeport Nine-Year-Old's Annual Holiday Toy Drive Under Way; Drop Off Locations Throughout Area

By Trina Runner on November 26, 2017

Before she even has all her permanent teeth, nine-year-old Charlotte Kirby has touched more lives than many people twice her age. For the past six years, she has collected thousands of toys each holiday season with only one goal: happiness.

From a young age, Charlotte and her brother Colt were taught about the spirit of giving back during the holidays, in the tradition of St. Nick. When she was just four years old, she requested that the family collect toys to give to kids in need, launching the annual toy drive that continues today.

She sets up giant boxes throughout North Central West Virginia for toy collection and groups the recipients into age categories from newborn to 18 and up. Many local organizations that have collected toys in the past will not be collecting this year, so Charlotte’s Toy Drive is more important than ever in making sure all the children experience the holiday magic.

The Johnson Elementary fourth grader encourages people to donate unwrapped gifts to the designated businesses by December 21st. Through the generosity of donors, she has been able to help hundreds of children at both the Clarksburg City Mission as well as The Soup Opera in Fairmont. She also takes direct requests from schools and organizations in need.

Hoping to one day be a pastor and work at the Clarksburg City Mission, Kirby has a huge heart and has found a unique way to put her faith into action. By allowing parents to pick out the toys for their own kids, the experience makes the holiday magic spread to the entire family.

Gifts will be collected through December 20, with the distriibution being on December 21 at Clarksburg Baptist Church. Additional information can be found under Charlotte’s Annual Toy Drive on Facebook or by calling 757-376-7767.